Effectiveness of GM Crops in combating hunger 

Syllabus: GS3/Agriculture; Environment

Context

• Genetically Modified (GM) crops have the potential to significantly alleviate hunger and food insecurity, but their impact largely depends on the farming practices employed.

About Genetically Modified Crops (aka Genetically Engineered Crops)

• These are plants whose genetic material has been intentionally altered using specific DNA sequences.
• These modifications aim to enhance desirable traits, such as resistance to pests, tolerance to environmental stresses (like drought or extreme temperatures), and improved yield.
• Scientists use techniques like Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and particle bombardment to introduce specific genes into crop plants. These genes may come from the same species or even other organisms.

Role of GM Crops in combating hunger

• Hunger is a recurring issue in developing countries, and genetic modification (GM) of crops is seen as a potential solution. 
• GM crops could help alleviate food shortages because they are engineered to possess traits such as pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, and enhanced nutritional content. 
• These modifications can lead to higher yields, reduced reliance on chemical pesticides, and improved resilience to environmental stresses. 
• India’s journey with GM crops began in 2002 with the commercial release of Bt cotton, which contains a gene from the bacterium Bacillus Thuringiensis, produces a toxin that is harmful to specific pests, reducing the need for insecticides.

Regulatory Framework in India

• It is primarily governed by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
• The GEAC is responsible for the assessment and approval of GM crops for commercial cultivation, ensuring that they meet stringent biosafety and environmental standards.
• Guidelines issued by the Department of Biotechnology and the Ministry of Environment ensure safety and proper monitoring.
• Despite these regulations, the introduction of GM crops has faced resistance from various stakeholders, including farmers, environmentalists, and civil society organisations.

Challenges and Considerations

• Pest Resistance: Over-reliance on GM crops with pest-resistant traits can lead to the development of resistant pest populations. 
• Biodiversity: GM crops have been associated with potential risks to biodiversity and soil health. The introduction of foreign genes can disrupt local ecosystems and harm beneficial organisms.
• Economic Access: Smallholder farmers may face barriers to accessing GM seeds due to high costs and intellectual property rights. 
• Health Concerns: There are ongoing debates about the long-term health impacts of consuming GM foods. 
• Loss of Traditional Practices: The adoption of GM crops may lead to the erosion of traditional farming practices and indigenous crop varieties, which are crucial for maintaining agricultural diversity.

Key Considerations for a National GM Policy

• GM Policy Must Be Farmer-Centric like Empowering Farmers; Ensuring Safety and Sustainability with soil health, biodiversity, or human health; Protecting Biodiversity; and Inclusive Decision-Making.
• Transparent Regulatory Framework: Establishing a transparent and accountable regulatory framework for the approval and monitoring of GM crops is crucial.
• Support for Non-GM Alternatives: The policy should also promote research and development of non-GM alternatives that can achieve similar agricultural benefits without the associated risks.
• Economic Viability: Ensuring that GM crops are economically viable for small and marginal farmers is essential.
  • It includes providing subsidies, access to credit, and insurance schemes to mitigate the financial risks associated with GM crop cultivation.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Continuous monitoring and evaluation of the impacts of GM crops on agriculture, environment, and health are necessary.

Way Forward: Sustainable Farming Practices

• Crop Rotation: Rotating GM crops with non-GM crops can prevent the buildup of pest resistance and maintain soil health.
• Conservation Tillage: This practice reduces soil erosion and improves water retention, which is beneficial for GM crops that are designed to thrive in specific soil conditions.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Combining GM crops with IPM strategies can reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides, promoting a healthier ecosystem.

Conclusion

• GM crops hold significant potential to combat hunger and improve food security, but their success hinges on sustainable farming practices and addressing associated challenges. 
• By integrating GM crops with holistic agricultural strategies, we can harness their full potential to create a more food-secure world.

Source: TH